Wine Enthusiast recently released its NY Wines Guide, an insider look at the regions and wineries shaping the future of New York wine. We are proud to see Red Tail Ridge Winery included in this guide. The article highlights producers who continue to raise the quality of wine across the state.
In the NY Wines Guide, Wine Enthusiast explains why New York has become one of the most exciting wine areas in the country. The magazine points to the Finger Lakes as a leader in cool-climate winemaking. Because of deep lakes, glacial soils, and long growing seasons, the region can produce wines with strong acidity and clear structure.
At Red Tail Ridge, we focus on showing the character of Seneca Lake in every vintage. We farm with care, and we make wine with balance in mind. As a result, our wines reflect both the vineyard and the season. The NY Wines Guiderecognizes wineries that follow this same approach, and we are honored to be part of that group.
The Finger Lakes continues to gain national attention. For example, Riesling, Blaufränkisch, and sparkling wines from this region now appear on wine lists across the country. In addition, more writers and critics now look to New York when they search for wines with freshness and aging potential.
You can explore some of our current releases here:
https://redtailridgewinery.com/product/2023-blaufrankisch/
You can also plan a visit to the winery here:
https://redtailridgewinery.com/visit/
The NY Wines Guide shows how much the region has grown. At the same time, it reminds readers that success comes from hard work in the vineyard and careful decisions in the cellar. We are grateful to stand alongside the many Finger Lakes producers who continue to move New York wine forward.
Read the full Insider’s Guide here:
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/new-york-state-wine/
Published in February 2026.
Finger Lakes Libations highlighted Red Tail Ridge Winery in its Spring/Summer issue, placing the winery among producers shaping the Finger Lakes beverage scene. The publication focuses on makers who define quality, creativity, and a strong sense of place across the region.
Finger Lakes Libations spotlights wineries that push the region forward while staying grounded in terroir and craftsmanship. The feature recognizes Red Tail Ridge for its expressive cool-climate wines and its role in the evolving Finger Lakes wine conversation.
Red Tail Ridge Winery crafts wines that reflect the land, the vintage, and the winemaker’s vision. Estate vineyards overlook Seneca Lake, where glacial soils and a cool climate shape wines with energy, structure, and precision.
Our approach sets us apart:
Distinctive cool-climate wines
We produce vibrant sparkling wines, elegant whites, and character-driven reds that highlight Finger Lakes terroir.
Intentional winemaking
Every decision in the cellar supports balance, freshness, and varietal character. Each vintage tells a clear story.
Immersive tasting experiences
Guests enjoy wines in a welcoming tasting room with sweeping vineyard and lake views.
Strong connection to our community
We actively support the Finger Lakes wine region and contribute to its continued growth and recognition.
This feature reinforces Red Tail Ridge Winery’s place within the Finger Lakes wine landscape. Recognition from Finger Lakes Libations reflects a continued focus on quality, precision, and wines that speak clearly of place.
Published in Spring/Summer 2025
The Red Tail Ridge James Suckling Report highlights our Cabernet Franc in James Suckling’s Finger Lakes tasting feature, “Fresh and Franc: Finger Lakes’ Post-Riesling Rise.” The report captures a pivotal moment for the region as it gains recognition for cool-climate red wines alongside its world-class Riesling.
In the report, James Suckling’s tasting team places a strong emphasis on cabernet franc. The variety thrives in a cool climate. It reflects site and vintage clearly. Most importantly, it delivers freshness, balance, and restraint.
During the tastings, Red Tail Ridge’s Cabernet Franc Seneca Lake RTR Estate Vineyard captured attention. The wine showed vibrancy and precision. It also expressed a clear sense of place. That recognition speaks directly to our estate vineyard and our hands-on approach in the cellar.
At the same time, the report makes something else clear. The Finger Lakes no longer tells a one-grape story. Instead, it continues to evolve.
Across the region, winemakers now focus on thoughtful farming. They make intentional varietal choices. They emphasize balance over excess. Consequently, the Finger Lakes continues to earn respect on the world stage.
At Red Tail Ridge, we share that vision. We farm with purpose. We work closely with our vineyards. Then, we let the wines speak for themselves. Whether through cabernet franc, riesling, or other cool-climate varieties, our goal remains the same: honest expression of Seneca Lake.
Finally, we invite you to experience these wines firsthand. Visit our tasting room overlooking Seneca Lake. Or, explore our current releases online.
For more insight into the region’s evolution, you can read the complete James Suckling article here:
Fresh and Franc: Finger Lakes’ Post-Riesling Rise.
Being featured by James Suckling marks an exciting milestone. More importantly, it reflects the direction of our region. The Finger Lakes continues to grow, evolve, and impress—and we’re proud to be part of that story.
Published on January 12, 2026
The piece situates Red Tail Ridge Winery’s 2023 Blaufränkisch in the context of the Finger Lakes’ continued exploration of cool-climate red varieties.
Learning New Words, But Make It Blaufränkisch…and by Heather “Coolidge”.